The Old Fashioned. A timeless classic, a cornerstone of cocktail culture, and a drink steeped in tradition. But like any beloved classic, its preparation is subject to debate. One of the most hotly contested points? The inclusion, or exclusion, of a cherry. Does an Old Fashioned need a cherry to be authentic? Is it a sacrilege to add one? Let’s delve into the history, the variations, and the passionate opinions surrounding this seemingly simple garnish.
A Look Back at the Old Fashioned’s Origins
To understand the cherry debate, we first need to understand the drink’s roots. The term “Old Fashioned” itself emerged in the late 19th century, a reaction against increasingly elaborate and complex cocktails. People, nostalgic for the simpler drinks of the past, began requesting their whiskey cocktails made in the “old-fashioned way.”
What exactly was the old-fashioned way? It generally involved a spirit (usually whiskey, rye, or bourbon), sugar, bitters, and water. A simple muddle to dissolve the sugar, a generous splash of whiskey, a few dashes of bitters, and perhaps a bit of water or ice. This was the foundation, the bedrock upon which the Old Fashioned we know today was built.
The Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, is often credited as the birthplace of the Old Fashioned. Legend has it that a bartender there created the drink for a local bourbon distiller, James E. Pepper, who then brought the recipe to the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City, solidifying its popularity. Regardless of the exact origin, the core ingredients remained consistent: whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water.
The Rise of Garnishes and Variations
As cocktail culture evolved, so did the Old Fashioned. Bartenders, eager to put their own spin on the classic, began experimenting with different ingredients and garnishes. Orange slices, lemon peels, and, yes, cherries, started to find their way into the mix.
It’s important to remember that the early days of cocktails were far less standardized than they are today. Recipes were often passed down orally or through rudimentary notebooks, leaving room for interpretation and regional variations. What was considered an “authentic” Old Fashioned in one bar might be significantly different in another.
The Case for the Cherry: Sweetness and Tradition?
Proponents of the cherry in an Old Fashioned often cite its sweetness and visual appeal as reasons for its inclusion. A bright red cherry can add a touch of color to the otherwise amber-hued drink, making it more visually appealing.
Furthermore, the cherry’s sweetness can help to balance the bitterness of the bitters and the strength of the whiskey, creating a more palatable and approachable cocktail for some drinkers. For those who enjoy a sweeter drink, the cherry offers a welcome burst of flavor.
The cherry can also be seen as part of a modern tradition. While not part of the original recipe, the inclusion of a cherry has become so widespread that many people now expect it in their Old Fashioned. For them, it’s simply part of the experience.
The Appeal to a Wider Audience
Let’s face it, whiskey-forward cocktails aren’t always everyone’s cup of tea. The cherry can make the Old Fashioned more accessible to those who are new to whiskey or who prefer a less intense flavor profile. It can act as a gateway drink, introducing people to the world of classic cocktails.
The Case Against the Cherry: Purity and Whiskey’s Integrity
Those who vehemently oppose the cherry in an Old Fashioned often argue that it detracts from the drink’s purity and masks the nuances of the whiskey. They believe that the sweetness of the cherry overpowers the more subtle flavors of the spirit, bitters, and sugar.
For these purists, the Old Fashioned is all about showcasing the quality and character of the whiskey. They want to appreciate the notes of oak, caramel, spice, and vanilla that the whiskey offers, without being distracted by the artificial sweetness of a maraschino cherry.
The “Correct” Way?
Many cocktail enthusiasts would argue that the cherry transforms the Old Fashioned into something different entirely. They see it as a sugary addition that diminishes the integrity of the original recipe. They believe that the Old Fashioned should be a simple, elegant cocktail that allows the whiskey to shine.
They will often point to pre-Prohibition era cocktail books and recipes that make no mention of cherries, arguing that the authentic Old Fashioned never included one. For them, adding a cherry is akin to adulterating a classic.
Modern Interpretations and the Rise of Luxardo Cherries
The debate surrounding the cherry has led to some interesting modern interpretations of the Old Fashioned. Many bartenders are now opting for higher-quality cherries, such as Luxardo cherries, which are less cloyingly sweet and have a more complex flavor profile.
Luxardo cherries, made with real marasca cherries preserved in their own syrup, offer a more sophisticated alternative to the traditional maraschino cherry. They add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor without overpowering the whiskey.
This shift towards higher-quality ingredients reflects a growing appreciation for craft cocktails and a desire to elevate the Old Fashioned beyond its simpler origins. It’s a compromise of sorts, allowing for the addition of a cherry while still respecting the integrity of the drink.
Experimentation and Personal Preference
Ultimately, the question of whether or not to include a cherry in an Old Fashioned comes down to personal preference. There is no definitive “right” or “wrong” answer. The beauty of cocktails lies in their versatility and the ability to customize them to suit individual tastes.
Some people will always prefer their Old Fashioned without a cherry, valuing the purity of the whiskey. Others will enjoy the added sweetness and visual appeal that a cherry provides. And still others will experiment with different types of cherries, exploring the nuances of flavor that each one brings to the drink.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Old Fashioned (Cherry or No Cherry)
Regardless of your stance on the cherry, there are some fundamental principles that should be followed when making an Old Fashioned to ensure a delicious and well-balanced cocktail. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to pay attention to the proportions.
First, select your whiskey. Bourbon and rye are the most common choices, but you can also experiment with other types of whiskey. Consider the flavor profile of the whiskey and choose one that you enjoy drinking neat.
Next, choose your sugar. Granulated sugar, sugar cubes, or simple syrup can all be used. The key is to dissolve the sugar completely before adding the other ingredients.
Bitters are essential for adding depth and complexity to the Old Fashioned. Angostura bitters are the most traditional choice, but you can also experiment with other types of bitters, such as orange bitters or Peychaud’s bitters.
Finally, add a splash of water or ice to dilute the drink slightly and open up the flavors of the whiskey. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Garnishing for Success
If you’re going to include a cherry, choose a high-quality one, such as a Luxardo cherry. Avoid the bright red, artificially flavored maraschino cherries that are often found in supermarkets. An orange peel is another common garnish that can add a citrusy aroma and flavor to the Old Fashioned.
Rub the orange peel along the rim of the glass to release its oils and then drop it into the drink. This will add a subtle hint of citrus that complements the whiskey and bitters.
The Verdict: A Matter of Taste
So, does an Old Fashioned have a cherry? The answer, as with many things in life, is it depends. It depends on your personal preferences, your interpretation of tradition, and your willingness to experiment.
There is no definitive “right” or “wrong” way to make an Old Fashioned. What matters most is that you enjoy the drink and that it reflects your personal taste. Whether you prefer it with a cherry, without a cherry, or with a different garnish altogether, the Old Fashioned remains a timeless classic that can be enjoyed in countless ways.
Ultimately, the best Old Fashioned is the one that you enjoy the most. So, experiment with different ingredients and garnishes until you find the perfect combination for your palate. Cheers!
FAQ 1: Is a cherry a standard ingredient in an Old Fashioned cocktail?
The question of whether an Old Fashioned should include a cherry is a hotly debated topic among cocktail enthusiasts. Traditionally, and according to many purists, the classic Old Fashioned recipe consists of whiskey (typically bourbon or rye), sugar, bitters, and water (or ice). A cherry is not part of this original recipe and is considered by some to be an unwelcome addition, obscuring the intended flavors of the spirit and bitters.
However, the popularity of adding a cherry has grown over time, especially in modern interpretations. Many bartenders and drinkers include a maraschino cherry as a garnish, often muddling it along with the sugar and bitters. This inclusion often caters to a sweeter palate and adds a visual element to the drink, despite not being historically accurate.
FAQ 2: Why do some people object to a cherry in an Old Fashioned?
The primary objection to including a cherry in an Old Fashioned stems from a desire to preserve the cocktail’s original flavor profile and integrity. Purists argue that the cherry’s sweetness masks the nuanced flavors of the whiskey and the aromatic bitters, resulting in a less sophisticated and balanced drink. They believe the cocktail should showcase the quality of the chosen spirit, allowing its characteristics to shine through.
Furthermore, some find the artificial flavor and bright red color of commercially produced maraschino cherries to be unappealing and inconsistent with the Old Fashioned’s reputation as a classic and refined cocktail. These cherries are often heavily processed and laden with artificial sweeteners and preservatives, further detracting from the drink’s intended character.
FAQ 3: If I want to add a cherry, what kind is best?
If you choose to include a cherry in your Old Fashioned, selecting a high-quality option is crucial to maintaining the cocktail’s integrity. Avoid the bright red, artificially flavored maraschino cherries found in most supermarkets. These tend to be overly sweet and can overwhelm the other flavors in the drink.
Instead, opt for Luxardo cherries or similar high-end brandied cherries. These cherries are made with real marasca cherries and are preserved in their own juice with a touch of sugar, offering a richer, more complex flavor that complements the whiskey and bitters. They provide a subtle sweetness and a nuanced depth that enhances the overall experience.
FAQ 4: Does muddling the cherry change the Old Fashioned?
Muddling the cherry significantly alters the Old Fashioned’s flavor profile. When muddled, the cherry releases its juices and sugars, resulting in a sweeter and fruitier drink. While some enjoy this variation, it moves away from the traditional, more spirit-forward character of the classic recipe.
Muddling the cherry can also impact the texture of the cocktail. The muddled cherry pulp can create a slightly thicker consistency, which may not appeal to everyone. If you prefer a cleaner, smoother Old Fashioned, consider adding the cherry as a garnish without muddling it.
FAQ 5: What other garnishes are acceptable in an Old Fashioned?
While a cherry is the most debated garnish for an Old Fashioned, an orange peel is widely considered to be a classic and acceptable addition. The oils expressed from the orange peel add a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that complements the whiskey and bitters without overwhelming them.
Other potential garnishes, though less common, include a lemon twist or a small piece of candied ginger. These options can add a unique twist to the cocktail, but it’s essential to use them sparingly to avoid overshadowing the core flavors. Ultimately, the best garnish is the one that enhances your personal enjoyment of the drink.
FAQ 6: How has the Old Fashioned recipe evolved over time?
The Old Fashioned’s recipe has undergone significant evolution since its creation in the late 19th century. Originally, it was a simple combination of whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters, intended to showcase the quality of the spirit. Over time, variations began to emerge, influenced by individual preferences and regional trends.
The addition of fruit, particularly the cherry and orange slice, became increasingly common, especially during the Prohibition era and the mid-20th century. These additions often served to mask the taste of lower-quality spirits or to appeal to a broader range of palates. Today, the debate over whether or not to include a cherry reflects the ongoing tension between traditionalism and innovation in the world of cocktails.
FAQ 7: What’s the best way to settle the debate: cherry or no cherry?
Ultimately, the “best” Old Fashioned is the one you enjoy the most. The debate over whether to include a cherry is a matter of personal preference and there is no definitively “right” or “wrong” answer. Experiment with different variations and ingredients to find what suits your taste.
Consider trying a classic, cherry-free Old Fashioned to understand the traditional flavor profile, then experiment with adding a high-quality cherry (like Luxardo) to see how it changes the drink. The key is to appreciate the cocktail’s history and to make informed choices based on your own preferences, rather than adhering rigidly to one particular viewpoint.